Object Relations Empty Chair Work in Couple Therapy

The empty chair psychodrama was first made popular by Fritz Perls, founder of Gestalt therapy. It has since been adapted for Voice Dialogue, Family Constellation, and even Cognitive-Behavioral therapy. PACT has adapted this approach for use within the couple session when consistent projection or projective identification processes impede the forward development of one or both partners. This particular technique uses Self and Object Relations theory to capture real time archaic self and object representations that maintain an ego syntonic, regressed relationship with one (or more) original caregiver(s). The psychodrama provides an opportunity for the couple therapist to bring this maladaptive early relationship to light and to make strides toward ego dystonic rejection of the regressive behavior.
In this one-hour presentation, attendees will learn, by video demonstration, how this technique may be used within a couple session while maintaining the integrity of couple therapy. This powerful psychodrama can effectively dissolve roadblocks to differentiation and individuation in partners with developmental delays.